Moulin Rouge!

Christian, an idealistic and impoverished young writer who, newly arrived in Montmartre, is haphazardly inducted into a circle of young bohemians led by Toulouse-Lautrec. A comedy of mistaken identities ensues, quickly enmeshing the young poet in a love triangle involving the unobtainable and consumptive Satine, queen courtesan of the Moulin Rouge, and the foppish Duke of Roxbury, his villainous rival for her affections.

Comment

David Bowie, Beck, Rufus Wainwright all add to the soundtrack, plus a cast that has a surprisingly good vocal range make for a theater lovers dream. I'm not the biggest musical fan, but every Baz Luhrmann film is a mesmerizing spectacle of color and energy. This is certainly one of my go-to films to lift me out of a slump; between the great cast chemistry to the beloved songs, my ex-theater-junkie self will sing the praises of this film for eons.

This is one of those movies that's impossible not to react to, whether it be in a good or bad way. The editing and film effects definitely take a while to get used to, since they can be very choppy or just plain weird, but it's a nice touch since it helps the viewer feel like they are attending the promiscuous and glamorous Moulin Rouge themselves. Most of the songs are creative renditions of current popular music, and it's super fun to see how they incorporate them. Despite the passion and the vibrant colors, this is far from a feel good movie, and our lead Christian lets you know that right off the bat. This is a musical I'd recommend for anybody who's looking for something bohemian and completely different.

Moulin Rouge! is another great film from Baz Luhrmann. It’s a jukebox musical film that follows Christian, a young writer, who falls in love with Satine, a courtesan. When it comes to a Baz Luhrmann film, you will either love the film or hate it. It’s over the top, but glamorous. It might seem like it’s a wild musical that lacks substance, but that is not the case. The love story between Christian and Satine is beautifully sad. They can’t be together since she puts her career as a lady of the night before her happiness. Their love is so passionate that it becomes destructive, having the end be a heartbreaking one. Moulin Rouge! is a beautiful film about love and the sadness that’s left when the love has gone. I highly recommend that you watch this film.
- @reviewsfromthe9 of the Teen Review Board at the Hamilton Public Library

Okay, the first time I watched this movie I was so shocked and confused that I almost turned it off, however, I couldn't because I was intrigued. Not just by the wonderful singing and the luxurious costumes, but the story and the emotions it made me feel. The second time I saw this I did so with my best friend at a retro theater and we had so much fun that we watched it again the next night. It is now my favorite movie and always puts a smile on my face. Thank you Baz Luhrman, Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, and Christopher Carroll for making me laugh, stomp, cheer, and say love endless times.

This film is a musical. Filled with a cavalcade of seizure-inducing editing, to better conceal the leads cannot sing or dance, and old pop songs you probably hated the first time around. Not recommended if you have seen Camille, or any other musical before.